Heritage’s run ends in state volleyball quarterfinals
A big theme of high school sports is opportunity and how to make the most of it once it’s in front of you.
The Heritage Lady Generals had opportunity fall into their lap last Saturday and they made sure it wasn’t wasted.
Getting to host a secondround game last Wednesday after fourth-seeded Luella upset top-seeded Upson Lee in the opening round, third-seeded Heritage wasted little time in dispatching the Lady Lions from Henry County, 25-9, 25-12 and 25-20.
With the victory, Heritage qualified for the Class 4A Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 and for just the second time in the program’s history.
Head coach Kari Cooper said getting play at home gave her team an extra boost of confidence.
“Just not having to deal with all the travel, getting to play on a court that we’re familiar with and with the crowd we had here cheering us on, it just made us want to go out there and play our best,” she explained.
Bolstered by a loud and rowdy student section, Heritage controlled the opening set from the get-go. Getting solid play up front, excellent defense and standout serving, the Lady Generals built up a 16-6 lead. Two big kills by Morgan Trotter down the stretch would help to give the home team an early 1-0 advantage.
Heritage kept up the pressure in the second set as the Lady Lions simply looked overwhelmed and outgunned at times. The Navy-andred would quickly build a 14-5 lead before going on to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
The Lady Generals jumped out 8-4 in the third set. However, Luella finally began to show some fight as they scored six straight points to briefly take the lead, 10-8.